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5 Foods That Can Help Reduce Stress

If you ever feel more stressed out at home than you do at work, you're not alone. Last week, a new study by Penn State researchers confirmed that most people go through the same thing.

Coping with stress by heading to the fridge for a snack can actually be good idea because some foods may help you feel better, according to Sarah-Jane Bedwell, R.D., L.D.N., a nutrition expert and author of Schedule Me Skinny. Here, Bedwell reveals five foods that help reduce stress.

Red Bell Peppers: "When we experience stress, our body releases increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Getting plenty of vitamin C helps to stop the secretion of stress hormones. But before you reach for the O.J. or a bottle of Vitamin C pills, try a red bell pepper. With three times the amount of vitamin C as an orange, the red bell pepper has the highest Vitamin C content of any one food."

Peppermint Tea and Vanilla Tea: "What better way to calm your nerves when you are feeling stressed than a cup of hot tea? Studies have shown that peppermint and vanilla scents help you to feel less anxious, more alert, and enable you to focus and boost your concentration on the task at hand."